COMMITMENT

An archer dedicated herself to mastering her skill, spending hours practicing her technique. Despite facing setbacks, injuries and self-doubt, she remained committed. She would wake up early morning to practice, rain or shine, summer or winter.

Years of consistent training paid off when she took her position, drew her bow, and released the arrow. It hit the bullseye. Henceforth, she could do it many more times to be confirmed as an achiever.

 

Commitment is about being fully dedicated to our goals and values. Perseverance aids in overcoming obstacles and staying focused despite challenges. Commitment gives mental strength to overcome doubts and nerves.

 

Commitment is not just about wanting to achieve something; it's about being willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Consistency is key for commitment to lead to success.

 

Stick to your goal, do all that is right,

Commitment brings success in sight!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

 

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Involve to Evolve

‘Involve’ and ‘evolve’ are two distinct concepts. Involve refers to participation or engagement in an activity or situation. Evolve refers to the gradual development or change of something over time. Involve is about immediate action while evolve happens over a period

 

However, there is a connection too. Those who involve in something, are likely to show transformations and evolve. Those who participate are most likely to display distinct changes. Hence when we involve, we will eventually evolve.

 

Evolution is a process of growth based on various experiences based on the involvement born out of initiatives by a person. Hence we must proactively involve in positive actions that will lead to progressive evolutions and desired results.

 

Involve and evolve are intertwined

Together they make progress shine

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Useless Tree

In the parable of the "Useless Tree" Hui Tzu said to philosopher, Chuang Tzu: ‘The trunk, of the tree in my garden, is so bent and knotty that nobody can get a good straight plank out of it.The branches are so crooked you can't cut them up in any way that makes sense. No carpenter will even look at it. Such is your teaching, Chuang - big and useless.’

Chuang Tzu replied: ‘No use? Then plant it in the wasteland. Walk idly around it and rest under its shadow. No axe or saw prepares its end. No one will ever cut it down. Useless?’

The large, gnarled tree stood unharmed because its twisted trunk and branches make it unsuitable for lumber. The tree's "uselessness" allows it to live a long and peaceful life.

 

The story highlights themes of non-action, embracing one's natural purpose, rather than forcing oneself to fit societal expectations. Sometimes, being "useless" can be beneficial, allowing one to avoid unnecessary stress, expectations, or exploitation.

 

This parable encourages us to rethink traditional notions of value and purpose, embracing the idea that being different or unconventional can be a strength.

 

Deemed useless was a tree, twisted with its fate to engage,

It stood free in wild harmony, its uniqueness its own stage.

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Start or Not

The Zen saying ‘Better not to start. Once started, better to finish’ means two things. While it highlights the potential pain of giving up after investing time and effort, it also emphasizes the importance of careful consideration before embarking on something new.

 

If a task is unlikely to be completed, it might be better to avoid it to minimize wasted time and energy. Starting and then stopping can be demoralizing and lead to feelings of failure or regret. Investing time and resources into one thing means potentially missing out on other opportunities. 

 

On the other hand, even if a project isn't fully realized, there is experience to be gained from starting and trying. Challenges and setbacks, even if they lead to stopping, build resilience and adaptability. Even with the possibility of stopping, starting something can lead to positive outcomes or opportunities. 

 

Ultimately, whether it's better to start or not depends on the specific situation and the individual's circumstances. The choice of whether or not to start something new requires consideration of potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as an assessment of one's own capacity and motivation. 

 

It's not always better to avoid starting, especially if there's a chance for learning, growth, or unexpected success. However, it's important to be realistic about the potential challenges and to avoid starting something that is likely to be unsustainable or lead to unnecessary disappointment.

 

To take the first step or let doubts reside

A choice to make: to take or quit the ride!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Polarization

Polarization is a pervasive and pressing issue in today's world. From politics and social media to everyday conversations, polarization is increasingly dividing people, fostering extremism and hindering constructive dialogue. Individuals or groups are increasingly extreme in their views. 

 

In political polarization, the gap between liberal and conservative ideologies, leads to increased partisanship. In social polarization, we find segregation of people into like-minded groups. The intensification of cultural differences, leads to conflicts between different ethnic, religious or other groups.

 

Social media amplifies extreme views and limits opposing perspectives. Confirmation Bias makes us seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs, rather than challenging them. Polarization leads to erosion of civil discourse, increased conflict and decreased cooperation.

 

To mitigate polarization, we must encourage critical thinking, promote media literacy and belief in public discourse. We must encourage people to engage with opposing perspectives and foster empathy. We must cultivate inclusive, empathetic and constructive communities that celebrate diversity.

 

Be open to diverse view in every situation

Don’t be diverted by divisive polarization!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Value of work

A viral moment is making waves online: a teenager was caught on camera intentionally throwing his drink on the floor right in front of a cleaning staff member. What happened next quickly turned the situation around: he was immediately told to clean up the mess himself. 

 

The video is sparking global conversations about respect, accountability and the importance of valuing the work of others. Many are praising the reaction as a powerful lesson in empathy and basic human decency towards the workers who work so hard.

 

Valuing others' work is essential for fostering a positive environment and promoting mutual respect. We must express gratitude and recognition for others' contributions, no matter how small. We must offer constructive feedback that acknowledges others' efforts.

 

When we recognise others' work, it boosts morale, motivation and job satisfaction. Appreciating others' work creates positives vibes and strengthens relationships and builds trust. We must be at our best in valuing the work of those toil hard with devotion and care.

 

When others toil hard with great care,

Value their work with empathy to spare

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Sword's Edge

A minister entered the Government hospital and reprimanded the Chief Medical Officer in an aggressive and insulting manner, refusing the right to respond. He declared his suspension and asked him ‘to get out’. The incident was captured on video by a person accompanying the politician.  

The video was made viral to show the Minister as a hero and make him look like a fighter for the patients. However, the video had the opposite effect as many rallied against the politician who had to eat humble pie. He sought to ‘live by the video’ but eventually ‘died by it’!

 

In Matthew 26.52, Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away after Peter draws it to defend him. Jesus says, ‘All who take up the sword will perish by the sword’. It implies that relying on physical force as a means of defence is ultimately counterproductive and can lead to death. 

 

It warns against using harmful methods to achieve success, as those methods can eventually lead to negative outcomes. The phrase ‘those who live by the sword’ is followed by ‘die by the sword’. Individuals who resort to violence or aggression are likely to suffer a similar fate. 

 

It can be applied to personal relationships, cautioning against aggressive or violent behaviour, emphasizing potential risks and consequences. We must be careful of showing off our might and power. The same act can turn into a great leveller with terrible consequences.

 

If you live by the sword's sharp edge,

Do heed… your fate is a bloody ledge!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

 

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